The Hoffman Podcast

Award-winning storyteller in television, film, and literature, Matthew Weiner, is a recent graduate of the Hoffman Process. Matthew is the creator, executive producer, writer, and director of the television show, Mad Men. Matthew shares that his biggest fear in doing the Process was losing his creativity; if he healed his trauma, he'd no longer be creative. Now on the other side of the Process, Matthew knows his fear was unfounded because, through his deep work of transformation, he learned that making art is part of healing trauma. As a comedy writer, Matthew shares that often negative self-statements get a laugh. And yet, that inner negativity, including when it is pointed at ourselves, is, as Matthew says, "not sustainable." Releasing harmful negative patterns and the negative love we learned as children brings freedom and a lightness that is hard to imagine until you discover it within yourself. A particularly beautiful and wise reflection from Matthew comes when he speaks about childhood. He shares that, as children, we see ourselves as a "supporting player" in our parents' lives, not realizing that each of us is actually "the star" of our childhood. Toward the end, Matthew shares the importance of reflecting on his experience during the Process and after. Post-Process, people have told him he's different, his voice has changed and he's softer. Like many of our guests, Matthew sees value in this process of reflection through conversation on personal transformation. We know there is also great value in witnessing another's experience. We hope you enjoy this wise, reflective conversation with Matthew and Drew. More about Matthew Weiner: Matthew Weiner is a nine-time Emmy Award winner and five-time WGA Award-winning storyteller in television, film, and literature. Among his range of credits are two of television’s most successful and critically lauded shows: creator, executive producer, writer, and director on Mad Men, which was distinguished with the Peabody Award, and executive producer for The Sopranos. Weiner was also the creator, executive producer, writer, and director of the original contemporary anthology series, The Romanoffs, set in seven countries around the globe. Weiner’s debut novel, Heather, The Totality, was published by Little, Brown and Company. You can discover more about Matthew Weiner here. As mentioned in this episode: Esopus Magazine article. Quote: “Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I don't have anything on paper despite years of constant rejection. In showbiz, all bad news has come through agents and in the form of phone calls. Even early on. I don't know that I would have saved them if I had gotten them. They're like bad reviews for me, best skimmed through and then briefly obsessed over before being mentally discarded. I've come to realize rejection is now part of my process. I am not used to it by any means, nor do I expect it, but it both sharpens my resolve that my ideas are new and also drives me to professionally outlive the resistance of the gatekeepers. If I wait patiently they will either move on, reconsider, or become brave enough to try something new. Rejection, as painful as it is, is nothing more than a delay.“ - Matthew Weiner Mindful Self-Compassion (Kristin Neff and Chris Germer) Listen to Kristen Neff on the Hoffman Podcast. Listen to Chris Germer on the Hoffman Podcast, Livia Soprano David Chase Terry (Terrence) Winter Robin Green Mitch (Mitchell) Burgess TM (Transcendental Meditation) About the song, Try a Little Tenderness Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding Fawlty Towers: Don't mention the war! Wizard of Oz Hoffman Teacher, Barbara Comstock Listen to Barbara Comstock on the Hoffman Podcast The cargo ship that took down Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge Sigmund Freud Id: the part of the mind in which innate instinctive impulses and primary processes are manifest.

Visual thinker, author, and Hoffman Process grad Brandy Agerbeck shares her ideas on creativity, visual thinking, and innovative ways to get what's rustling inside us out onto paper. Brandy speaks with light-hearted wisdom on creativity: what it is, tools to apply in service to it, and the challenge we face from what she calls the 'inner and outer critic.' She's been in touch with her creative spirit from a very young age, so she holds an approach to creativity stemming from a vast archive of lived experience. Brandy came to the Process to unload the heavy baggage she carried from her childhood, her mother's death, and the relationship she had with her father. As an atheist, she had no idea what to make of the idea of a spirit guide. But in the spirit of the Process, she said, "Well, this is uncomfortable. I don't have an answer for this. So, let's see who shows up." This is the openness that Brandy brought to her Process and that she brings to the classes she teaches. You'll love hearing who showed up in response to this open invitation. If you're looking for some great tools, powerful insights, and a generous spirit around creativity and learning to move forward with your creative ideas and dreams, pull out a piece of paper, grab a pen, and settle in for this conversation with Brandy and Liz. You'll come away with useful, practical tools and nourishment for your Spiritual Self. More about Brandy Agerbeck: As a child, Brandy immersed herself in drawing for hours. Back then, she drew anything her bucking bronco of a brain could dream up, creating a safe escape between herself and the piece of paper. Decades later, Brandy Agerbeck still delights in drawing, now as an international speaker and visual thinking pioneer. Built off her 2013 TEDx talk, Shape Your Thinking, Brandy broke down the complex and conceptual skill set into learnable pieces. Bundled together in her latest book, The Idea Shapers: The power of putting your thinking into your own hands, she teaches you visual thinking as your lifelong tool to shush your inner critic, organize your thoughts, and erase overwhelm. Curious to learn more? Join Brandy at her monthly visual thinking Q+A, Drawing as a Verb. Discover more about Brandy here. Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. As mentioned in this episode: OTTO The symbol for OTTO, Brandy's Spirit Guide, that she had tattooed on her wrist after graduating from the Process. Visual Thinking Baby Butler - Read one woman's experience with a baby butler. Graphic Facilitation Spatial Reasoning Kinesthetic Learning Doodle/Doodling Inner Critic Quadrinity Check-in/Morning Quad Checks and Evening Appreciation and Gratitude: Join us on Instagram for a daily Quadrinity Check at 8:00 a.m. PT and an Appreciation & Gratitude practice at 6:00 p.m. PT.

Neuroanatomist, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, joins Drew on the podcast to share her latest insights on the brain, from the inside out. Occasionally, we host guests who are not Hoffman Process graduates. Dr. Taylor is not a Process graduate but shares vital science and insights about the human journey of transformation. Her knowledge of the brain can guide us to a deep sense of peace through active, personal choice. With her profound expertise in brain anatomy, Dr. Taylor was able to study her own stroke while it was happening. Over eight years, she slowly worked her way back to full brain functioning. She has come to understand the four parts, or characters (as she calls them) of the brain. Dr. Taylor suggests we get to know each of these characters intimately. She suggests we name them and listen to their needs. When each part is heard, it can lead us to inner peace because every part is understood and valued for what it does and how it feels. This can replace our stress, fear, and anxiety with feelings of joy and peace. Our brain is designed to help us grow and meet challenges. When we know our brain from the inside out, we can find the deep peace we yearn for. And, we can be part of the change toward lasting peace for everyone. We hope you find this fascinating and insightful conversation with Dr. Taylor and her wisdom a useful tool as you navigate your life. More about Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor: Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist now affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine. In 1996, she experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight, documenting her experience with stroke and eight-year recovery spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. Her most recent 2021 book is WHOLE BRAIN LIVING: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life. Dr. Taylor loves educating everyone about the beauty and resiliency of our human brain, and how we can live a more peaceful and satisfying life. In 2008, she gave the first TED talk to go viral on the Internet. Her talk now has well over 29 million views. In 2008, Dr. Taylor was chosen as one of TIME Magazine's “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Furthermore, she was the premiere guest on Oprah Winfrey’s “Soul Series” webcast that same year. Learn more about Dr. Taylor and listen to her many talks on the brain here on her website. Follow her on Facebook. Watch reels on the four parts of the whole brain living on Instagram. As mentioned in this episode: Schizophrenia Neuroanatomy Craniotomy Left and right Hemispheres - talk by Dr. Taylor 2008 TED talk by Dr. Taylor Your Left Brain is a Bully - talk by Dr. Taylor Unleash Your Right Brain - talk by Dr. Taylor

Globally recognized Executive Chef, consultant, and author, Doug McNish, began his amazing career when he was 15 years old. Decades later, after winning numerous accolades and awards, Doug yearned to come to know his true self. When he arrived in Petaluma to do the Hoffman Process in 2023, his highest intention was to find out who he truly is. Doug's journey is a story of the transformative power of self-love, determination, and persistence we find within when we are serious about making changes in our lives. Once weighed down by insecurities and unhealthy habits, in his darkest moments, Doug found solace in food and substances, leading to a struggle with obesity and addiction. Even though he didn't know where it would take him, Doug was serious about changing his life. His work before, at, and after the Process has led him to a place of strength, sobriety, and unwavering self-acceptance. Doug shares, "No matter how far we've strayed from our true selves, redemption is always within reach. With courage, self-love, and a willingness to change, we can rewrite our stories and emerge stronger, happier, and more authentic. We are worthy of a life filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment." Content Warning: Please note that this episode mentions childhood traumatic experiences, addictions, and disordered eating. It is marked explicit for a few f-bombs. It might not be suitable for all listeners. More about Doug McNish: Doug McNish began honing his skills at the age of 15, quickly learning all the intricacies of the food service industry. Adept in his field, by the age of 20, Doug knew that he needed to make a change after watching footage of a slaughterhouse. He went vegetarian, and months later adopted a fully vegan lifestyle. He positioned himself as a pioneer in the vegan food movement, courageously aligning his career path with his morals at a time when veganism was relatively unknown. Since then, Doug has become a globally recognized Executive Chef, consultant, and author. He’s been featured on national and international television, regularly consults, inspires, and educates international audiences, and has authored multiple cookbooks. His bestselling Eat Raw, Eat Well, won a Gourmand Award for the Best Vegetarian Cookbook in the world. Raw, Quick, Delicious, Vegan Everyday, and Comfort Food Recipes for a Vegan Lifestyle all won the Gourmand Award for Best Vegan Cookbook in the World. In 2017, Now Magazine’s Reader's Choice Awards awarded Doug the title of Best Chef in the City in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario. As a pioneer in the vegan movement, Doug’s work has helped make vegan cuisine go mainstream, devoting himself to his vocation and activism in the name of ethics, health, and the environment. Follow Doug on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. As mentioned in this episode: Jamie Oliver Gordon Ramsey Kimberly Carroll Scooter Braun Jay Shetty Eckhart Tolle

You’re most likely familiar with Dr. Dan Siegel and his pioneering work to understand the mind and help us live more joyfully. You probably aren’t familiar with his childhood story in which his joy and innocence set in motion the death of something he dearly loved. When Dan arrived at the Hoffman Process retreat site and stepped out of his car, he was immediately greeted by one of the rabbits who lives on the over 180 acres there. When he saw this rabbit, an array of feelings and sensations swept through his body. A few days later, as Dan’s Process was well underway, a fawn and its mother would open the door wider into the deep work of Dan’s Process. The Hoffman Process offers a science-based, courageous week of transformation. It’s a week of experiential learning incorporating everything, including the land and everything alive. It opens the door to what Dan calls “the plane of possibility,” also referred to as Love by Dan. With one foot in the practical science and the other in the world that opens us to the spiritual aspects of our nature, we step into the possibility and opportunity to heal what has often followed us nearly our entire lives. In this nearly-an-hour conversation, Dan shares his journey of studying the mind and the results and insights of his decades of research and practice with his clients. Drew, our host, and Hoffman teacher Marc Kaplan join in for this amazing conversation. Marc was Dan’s teacher at the Process and together they share insights into much of what transpired for Dan. Dan’s deeply delightful and joyful qualities thread their way through this conversation. What a gift. More about Dr. Dan Siegel: Dr. Dan Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. He is also the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, which focuses on the development of mindsight and teaches insight, empathy, and integration in individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Siegel has published extensively for both the professional and lay audiences. His five New York Times bestsellers are: Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence, Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, and two books with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.: The Whole-Brain Child, and No-Drama Discipline. His other books include Personality and Wholeness in Therapy (coming November 2024), IntraConnected, The Developing Mind, The Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology, Mindsight, The Mindful Brain, The Mindful Therapist, and Becoming Aware. He's also written The Yes Brain and The Power of Showing Up with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. Parenting from the Inside Out with Mary Hartzell, and NowMaps with Deena Margolin, LMFT, and NowMaps, Jr. Dr. Siegel also serves as the Founding Editor for the Norton Professional Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology, which currently contains over 80 textbooks. For more information about his educational programs and resources, please visit, DrDanSiegel.com and MindsightInstitute.com. Follow Dr. Siegel on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. More about Marc Kaplan: Marc’s life purpose is to support people in finding and using their authentic voice. In addition to teaching the Hoffman Process, Marc is an esteemed music educator, producer, conductor, and coach. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Political Science from The George Washington University. “The Hoffman methodology is the foundation of my spiritual practice. It helped me discover that I have choices, enabling me to step into my dignity, and live my life from a place of love.” When Marc first did the Process in 2011, he envisioned being a father, and now he is one. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife and two daughters. As mentioned in this episode: Consilience • Edward Osborne Wilson used the term “consilience” to describe t...

Darla Murray Loomis has been a seeker for much of her life, traveling the world to find what she longed to find. Each place she went, she found something meaningful. But, Darla didn't find what she was looking for out in the world - she found it within, what Darla calls this treasure inside herself. When Darla came to the Hoffman Process, she'd already found this treasure. What brought her to the Process was the realization that she had emotions stuck inside ready to be set free. Darla was ready to free herself through the work of the Process! Through the work of the Process, the cathartic work, especially, Darla found the freedom she was looking for. She took the opportunity afforded by the strong container of the Process to acknowledge, feel, and express her anger. Darla came to respect her anger and know that it has a purpose. Darla shares how doing the Hoffman Process "unclogged the channel", the channel through which the divine source expresses itself through her. As an artist and creative, she keenly knows the need to keep this channel open. This is a truth-telling conversation about how difficult it can be to live a surrendered life, be authentic, and speak the truth of your being. This is Darla's intention. She speaks of it with sincerity and humility. More about Darla Murray Loomis: Darla Murray Loomis has created nurturing, creative spaces and places in the beauty and spa industry in small businesses for over three decades. She's a third-generation entrepreneur in her family. As a successful business owner, author and artist Darla has been a leader, teacher, and mentor inspiring other women to honor their feminine heart to guide a profitable business, and to create workplaces that create harmony between people, the planet, and profits for the business of life. Darla lives by the clarity of her example, demonstrating a balance between work, family, self-care, fun, and exploration. Darla is a teacher and mentor empowering women creatives and entrepreneurs. She has traveled the world studying different spiritual traditions to continue her transformation and healing. She loves sharing the way, through her personal adventures and transformational journey to inspire others to create a life they can call their own, while authentically recovering our voices and self-expression. Darla explores her deepest and truest self through the art of play and creativity. Darla believes all that nurtures strengthens. She lives in Telluride, Colorado, with Peter, her husband of 23 years. She loves art, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling. Find out more about Darla at TruthBeautySpirit.com. As mentioned in this episode: Ah Haa School for the Arts in Telluride, CO The movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe The Feminine/Masculine or Yin/Yang Sides of Creativity Quote Drew references: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. "It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” ― Martha Graham, American modern dancer, and choreographer. Flow-state, named by the psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in 1970. "Surrendering to the arms of the creative." Writing that came out of Darla's meditation. A Blended Family Shamanism

Patricia Martin, a 1998 graduate of the Hoffman Process, has spent 30 years studying people and ideas that change the culture. She is the podcast host of Jung in the World. and is at the forefront of curating ideas of technology, culture, and humanity. Listen in as Patricia and Liz converse about the Hoffman Process, the healing that happens when we bend toward the Light, and how resiliency is the medicine for our chaotic times. Patricia came to the Process because she saw, firsthand, how a friend had changed by doing the Process. She saw her friend's radiance and wanted to "have what she was having." She says she arrived at the Process "on her knees." Using a metaphor of growth and photosynthesis, Patricia speaks eloquently of the nature of the Process and the Light. When enough patterns, stories, beliefs, and identities are transformed, the true nature of who we are can find the Light again. What Patricia recalls was the most healing during her Process was finally being able to grieve the death of her father who died when she was 10. Her mother became very depressed and Patricia became a parentified child - expected to take on parental duties at too young an age. As someone who has studied ideas that change the culture for decades, Patricia notes the chaotic nature of these times. She says that we are going through "the death of meaning" right now. This is what happens right before a renaissance - or re-birth - takes place. Patricia suggests that we can navigate these times with more serenity if we clear away the debris from our inner world. In short, what we do at the Process, is this clearing away. It is this death and rebirth that paves the way for a personal renaissance in our lives. More about Patricia Martin: Patricia Martin has spent 30 years studying people and ideas that change the culture. Currently, her focus is on the digital culture and our changing sense of self. She is the author of three non-fiction books on cultural trends and holds an MFA in writing from Bennington College and an MA in Irish Culture and Literature from the University College, Dublin. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Slate, PBS, and Huffington Post. She is certified in medical narrative from Duke University. Patricia is a graduate of the Jungian Studies Program at the C. G. Jung Institute of Chicago where she teaches writing and hosts the popular podcast Jung in the World. You can discover more about Patricia at Patricia-Martin.com and Wikipedia, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter(X). Patricia's Books: Made Possible By: Succeeding with Sponsorship (2003) RenGen: Renaissance Generation - The Rise of the Cultural Consumer and What it Means to Your Business (2007) Tipping the Culture: How engaging Millennials will change things (2010) As mentioned in this episode: Parentification (Parentized) Bob Hoffman's Negative Love (Download PDF) Grief and Children Photosynthesis Cultural Archetypes American Library Association • The Network of Public Libraries in America (larger than McDonalds franchise) • Installed base of information exchange Vinton (Vint) Cerf: A father of the Internet Al Gore Bill Gates 25 Communities - Bringing Main Street to the Information SuperHighway NY Times 1994 article 1994 Research Paper Information SuperHighways European Renaissance: The Last Mass Cultural Outpouring of Creativity before now, according to Patricia Martin. Rome, Italy Sistine Chapel Social Conditions that existed just before the Renaissance One of the rules of a Renaissance: Death comes first - • The Dark Ages • The Plague Systems of Meaning The Ancient Layers of Rome Christopher Lasch, author of The Culture of Narcissism Jung Quote: "At the bottom of every life there is a task and when we address it our lives can move in a new direction." CC Jung

When Os Alvarez speaks of the newfound emotional intimacy he now knows in his relationships and the power of living from his heart, you can feel the depth of his heart as he speaks. Os had a profoundly life-changing experience at the Hoffman Process in 2019. As he saw the effect that his childhood patterns had on his childhood and adult life, he came to find great compassion for the beauty of the child that still lives within him. Os now brings the power of this intimacy to his work as a personal and business strategist. The son of a prominent Venezuelan politician whose name he was given, Os shares stories of the difficulties he experienced growing up in this environment. While his family was very loving and supportive, life was challenging growing up under these circumstances. As an adult, these patterns eventually caused what Os calls existential suffering. In 2014, Os divorced. In 2015, his best friend and business partner, a person he loved and was very close to, died from cancer. Before these events, he experienced a panic attack for the first time. But these two losses pushed Os to start on a journey. He began to meditate. He went to Costa Rica to try Ahyuasca. And then, he found the Hoffman Process. Os shares that during the weekend after the Process, he felt his heart fully open. But even more than this, the Process gave him a framework and tools to take into his life moving forward so he could continue the work to transform patterns and come to appreciate seeing his blind spots. If you ask Os what the most profound change is in his life now, it is his relationships - the people and the intimacy in them. He recently married again, and on that day he felt gratitude for these beautiful, emotionally intimate relationships. This podcast is about bringing the transformation we experienced during the Process into our lives so that this transformation can radiate into the greater world. Os' story is a beautiful example of Love's Everyday Radius. More about Os Alvarez: Os Alvarez is more than just a personal and business strategist; he's a companion on your journey to success and fulfillment. With a deep-seated commitment to helping founders and entrepreneurs flourish both in business and in life, Os brings a unique blend of authenticity and expertise to the table. His own transformative experience, transitioning from a scripted life fueled by ambition to one imbued with meaning and purpose, catalyzed by the loss of his closest friend, ignited a passion for guiding others toward their truest selves. As co-founder of The Real Authentic Way, Goodness Education, and The Local Leaders Collective, Os creates spaces where individuals can authentically connect and thrive. Os serves as a trusted coach for members of esteemed organizations like Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), while also lending his guidance as an Endeavor Miami Mentor. A graduate of Yale University with an MBA in Finance and Strategy, Os resides in Miami, where his dedication to holistic growth and genuine connection permeates every aspect of his work. Follow Os on Instagram and LinkedIn. As mentioned in this episode: Psychedelics Ayahuasca Costa Rica Os' Father Panic attack Victim Consciousness (Mentality) - • Unraveling the Mindset of Victimhood Chopra Center Meditation Rhythmia Center, Costa Rica Quote Os mentioned: “I inherited half my father’s friends and all his enemies.” — George W. Bush The Local Leaders Collective in Miami Brené Brown Ian Salvage, Os' Hoffman teacher/coach Hoffman Tools Mentioned: Trigger and going within. Compassion and Non-Judgment. Contraction and Dark Side -Using a flashlight within. Check out these Hoffman tools, practices, and audio tools

Kevin Rempel, 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist in sledge hockey, is today's guest. Listen in as Kevin shares his incredible life story and the wisdom he's gained. Kevin was paralyzed in a Motocross accident when he was 23. He was never supposed to walk again, but, as he says, he made it to his feet to walk again with a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work. Four years earlier, his father, was paralyzed in a hunting accident. His father severed his spinal cord, making it impossible for him to walk again. Kevin thought that he and his father would draw closer together after his accident; instead, it drove them further apart. Kevin came to understand that what was happening was a negative love relationship with his father. This discovery prompted him to attend and complete the Hoffman Process. Driven to be different from his father, Kevin worked hard in his drive to walk again. It ultimately took him four years to fully stand and walk on his own, day in and day out. You'll hear a lot of love, understanding, and wisdom in Kevin's story about his father. He shares how his attitude toward and understanding of his father changed after the Process. Kevin's transformation comes from seeing that his father was a good Dad, yet he had patterns. It is a testament to Bob Hoffman's words, "Everyone is guilty, no one is to blame." Kevin realized his second chance at life wasn't from learning to walk again. Instead, his second chance came when he learned to love himself and live as someone who truly loves himself. Discover more about Kevin Rempel: Kevin Rempel is a 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist in sledge hockey. After being paralyzed at the age of 23, Kevin not only learned how to walk again, but overcame the mental battle of both depression and living with a disability to rebuild his life, and eventually reach the Paralympic podium in sledge hockey. Kevin is an expert in change management, mental health, and resilience, delivering his inspirational message about adopting The Hero Mindset, where you focus on small things that make a big difference to help you too, become a hero in your own story. Kevin is the author of, Still Standing: When You Have Every Reason To Give Up, Keep Going. In addition to corporate presentations, Kevin is also a business coach for athletes and leaders using strategies from The Hero Mindset Blueprint to help build confidence, adopt healthy and predictable patterns, and accept radical responsibility in cultivating a confident and empowered mindset to drive results and embrace change. Discover more about Kevin here. Follow Kevin on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. As mentioned in this episode: David Neagle, Business Coach Motocross Negative Love Relationship with Parents: Described in A Path to Personal Freedom and Love. Download PDF. Kevin's Valentine's Day post on Instagram. Kevin shares his full-sleeve tattoo on Instagram, which contains themes from his Process. Kevin's experience at the Hoffman Process: https://kevinrempel.com/blog/the-hoffman-process-seven-days-to-change-a-lifetime/

In 1991, James Flaherty, MCC, founder of New Ventures West, graduated from the Hoffman Process in Virginia. After completing the Process, both James and his wife, Stacy, began to sponsor the Process in Virginia. They found the retreat site, enrolled people, scheduled the teachers, and transported them to the retreat site. They did this for six Processes over a few years. As James says, they were, and still are, deeply committed to the Hoffman Process. Often, our hosts ask our guests if there was a pivotal moment in the Process that has stayed with them. For James, it was when he had an epiphany about the gifts he knew he had to offer to this world. When he heard his teacher tell him that he was a powerful person, he felt a weight drop from his shoulders. He realized he could give his gifts to the world in a "better way." James walks us through the kind of coaching training that New Ventures West offers. He articulates beautifully what happens to our hearts when we are young, how heartache can squash our innate goodness, scarring us so our goodness can not get out into the world. James offers how healing it is when we act for the sake of others. In doing so, we receive much in return. With loving generosity, James thanks Hoffman staff and faculty for all they do to support this powerfully transformative work offered through the Hoffman Institute. Thank you, James. We hope you enjoy this heart-opening conversation with James and Sharon. More about James Flaherty: James Flaherty, MCC, founder of New Ventures West, is the author of the seminal text, Coaching: Evoking Excellence in Others. He has developed a uniquely effective approach to adult education by integrating discoveries in linguistics, developmental psychology, sociology, philosophy, and biology into the practical and customized methodology known as Integral Coaching®. He coaches executives, managers, and leaders throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. James lives in San Francisco with his wife and has an adult daughter whom he adores. In addition to being a voracious reader, he practices yoga and qigong. James owns a large collection of CDs, mostly in the classical, rock, and jazz genres. He enjoys theatre and travel. He is a longtime Zen student, studying with Norman Fischer of Everyday Zen. You can find out more about James on his website and on LinkedIn. As mentioned in this episode: New Ventures West, founded in 1987 The Vagus Nerve Some research from Boston College about mentors and mentoring and people dedicated to assisting others had much more happen for them than those who were not. (10:39 marker) Fernando Flores, Chilean engineer, entrepreneur, and politician.

Chelsea Javier, actor, writer, and filmmaker, has always been a creative person and visual artist. But she was also risk averse. She stayed in jobs that were close to what she wanted rather than the real thing - until she did the Hoffman Process in May 2018. In her early to mid-twenties, Chelsea went through what she calls a dark period.* During this time, she moved back to her family home and sought the help she needed. As she began to transition to a new life, in one of those 'sliding door' moments as she calls it, she met her now-husband, Paul. He had, just two days prior, completed the Hoffman Process. Two years later, Chelsea did the Process. There's a beautiful back-and-forth between Chelsea and Drew about the Process itself, and the experience of trusting yourself. As Chelsea shares, through her work at the Process, she discovered that there truly is no limit to how deeply you can feel, heal, and live. She knows how to handle rejection with strength and resiliency and she's not afraid to reach for what she wants. Chelsea is also a past Hoffman Mandala contest winner. The 2024 Mandala Contest is currently open until February, 29th. If you're interested in submitting your art, check out the Mandala Contest theme, rules, and submission guidelines. *Content warning, please use discretion: In this episode, our guest speaks about her history of depression and periods of suicidal ideation. We understand that this sensitive topic may not be right for all listeners. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to a local mental health hotline or emergency services. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Suicide Resources National 988 Crisis Line - call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org Crisis Textline: text TALK to 741741 Trevor Project: text START to 678-678, call 866-488-7368 (support for LGBTQ youth) Veterans Crisis Line: Call 800-273-8255 or text 838255 Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 More about Chelsea Javier: Chelsea Javier is an actor, writer, and filmmaker living in Los Angeles with her husband Paul Sprangers, their rescue bunnies Hammy and Yoshi, and their giant sulcata tortoise Lou. They co-run their production company American Lagomorph and released their first feature film, Smile or Hug, (starring Chelsea opposite Danny Trejo, directed by Paul), on Amazon, Apple TV, and Tubi, last year. Chelsea recently appeared on the CW show Walker and dreams of being a series regular on a dramedy TV show like Six Feet Under (her favorite show!). Chelsea completed the Hoffman Process in 2018 and was not working in entertainment (aka following her dreams!) before doing the Process. She previously worked as an art teacher and often writes about art and teaching life in her scripts now. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends at the beach, roller skating, traveling, and conversing about mental health. Follow Chelsea on Instagram. As mentioned in this episode: Hoffman Q2 Intensive: Beyond Mom & Dad Lou: • Chelsea's Giant Sulcata Tortoise named Lou. • anthropomorphize: verb, attribute human characteristics or behavior to (a god, animal, or object). Hoffman Process teachers mentioned: • Jane Biondi, Retired • Barbara Comstock - Listen to Barbara on the Hoffman Podcast Couples Coaching: Flexible, one-to-one phone or Zoom coaching with a certified Hoffman Coach. Brené Brown on joy being the most difficult and terrifying emotion to feel. Graduate Groups: Glendale/Pasadena/Montrose Area, California Leader: Monica Lomenzo Danny Trejo in Chelsea and Paul's first feature film, Smile or Hug. Danny plays the role of Dr. Hoffman Garcia. (Chelsea's Easter egg leading to Hoffman)

We kick off season 8 of the podcast with an uplifting, truth-telling conversation with Brooke Baldwin. TV host, documentary director, journalist, bestselling author, and Hoffman grad, Brooke finally shares the truth of what happened when she left CNN and the transformational journey she embarked on shortly thereafter. When Brooke left CNN, her heart cracked open and she set off on a transformational journey. She found her way to the Hoffman Process in January 2023. Brooke describes her experience at Hoffman as the Big KaBANG of her transformation. Now, she can see that things happened, and are happening, for her rather than to her. Just shy of two months after Brooke left Hoffman, she traveled to the Dominican Republic to shoot her new reality TV show, The Trust. With her Hoffman experience still fresh, Brooke showed up with Light streaming from her chest and found herself bringing the language of Hoffman and patterns directly to reality TV. One lovely highlight of this episode is how, together, Brooke and Sharon explore and reframe recurring patterns in Brooke's life. Listen in as Brooke beautifully reframes her patterns in real-time with Sharon. Welcome to season 8 of the Hoffman Podcast. We hope you enjoy this dynamic episode. **Please note that this episode is marked explicit because it contains a couple of F-bombs and might not be right for everyone. More about Brooke Baldwin: Brooke Baldwin is a TV host, documentary director, journalist, bestselling author, and Hoffman grad. Brooke most recently hosted a TV series called The Trust which you can currently watch on Netflix. For over a decade, she anchored her own live daily news show on CNN. She was renowned for her versatility, authenticity, and humanity at the news desk. Brooke is also the author of the bestselling book Huddle: How Women Unlock Their Collective Power, redefining the 'huddle' to explore how women lean on one another to provide support, empowerment, inspiration, and the strength to enact meaningful change. Brooke splits her time between New York City and Los Angeles. She is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a dual degree in Journalism and Spanish. Follow Brooke on Instagram and TikTok. As mentioned in this episode: CNN Dominican Republic The Trust, Netflix Brooke's Book, Huddle: How Women Unlock Their Collective Power Brené Brown • Candle Blower-Outers

For our season 7 finale episode, we're taking you behind the scenes with co-host Drew Horning and executive producer Julie Daley. The idea came about when Drew and Julie met in person for the first time the day after Thanksgiving - over three and a half years after starting this podcast together. It's pretty amazing that people can work together so closely to create something near and dear to them, and have never met in person. But the real story is why the podcast came into being, to begin with. It has to do with you, our listeners, graduates of the Process. In the first few months of the pandemic, the podcast was just one of a slew of new projects initiated by the Institute in service of staying connected to and supporting our graduate community. Along with others, Drew and Julie came together to brainstorm how to create the first Hoffman Institute podcast in April 2020. Sound engineer, Walt Hubis, joined us and in the middle of May 2020, after releasing our first three episodes of the Podcast, we were off and running with the release of our fourth episode. In time, both Sharon Mor and Liz Severin joined as co-hosts. We'd found our team. We hope you enjoy learning a bit about how all this came together and the "why" behind what makes doing this so meaningful for us. Happy New Year to you and yours. The Hoffman Podcast will return with season 8 in February 2024. We look forward to sharing conversations with a whole new group of graduates with you. About Drew Horning: Drew Horning is a former licensed private practice psychotherapist with a Master's in clinical work from the University of Michigan. He is trained in EMDR, Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Gottman Couples Counseling, and Brené Brown’s Daring Way. He also hosts a podcast on relationships and coached high school basketball. Drew published his book, Grappling: White Men’s Journey from Fragile to Agile, in May 2021. Drew values his role in calling forth students’ courage and supporting them on their healing journey. He recalls how amazed he was at the speed of change during the week of his Process. “Sure, there was work to do once the week was over; but I was able to tap into parts of myself and what I wanted for my life in ways that I had never experienced before … despite years of therapy.” Drew lives in Boulder, CO with his wife of over 20 years, Genny, and their two children. About Julie Daley: Julie Daley is the executive producer of the Hoffman Podcast. It is her great joy to work in support of the Hoffman Process. Julie did her Process in August 2002. There, she experienced deep, abiding love and boundless joy. Julie left knowing she had been deeply transformed. A graduate of Stanford University, Julie is also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and a certified teacher of Creativity in Business, a course originally taught at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Julie loves supporting others in coming home to their Essence and finding their courage to share this essential, creative nature with the world. Julie enjoys artistic expression through writing prose and poetry, dancing, painting, and photography. She is the author of Here: Poems, Prose, and Photography. Julie lives in the Bay Area and is a grandmother to six beautiful, treasured human beings. As mentioned in this episode: Walt Hubis, Sound Engineer for the Hoffman Podcast • Listen to Walt on the Hoffman Podcast Sharon Mor, Hoffman Podcast co-host • Listen to Sharon and Drew on the Hoffman Podcast Liz Severin, Hoffman Podcast co-host • Listen to Liz on the Hoffman Podcast Jason-Aeric Huenecke, Hoffman Process Graduate, and Podcast guest • Listen to Jason-Aeric on the Hoffman Podcast Jack Rafferty, Hoffman Process Graduate, and Podcast guest • Listen to Jack on the Hoffman Podcast Ian Salvage, Hoffman Process teacher, and coach; Hoffman Podcast 100th episode guest • Listen to Ian on the Hoffman Podcast

Sadie Hannah, beloved Hoffman teacher and coach, shares with us her experience of profound transformation in the Hoffman Process as well as navigating the transformation she has continued to experience since. Her story reveals the richness, beauty, and possibility available on the other side of suffering. Content Warning: this episode contains sensitive content that details the near death of a child. It may not be suitable for all listeners. As a 31-year-old mother of two when she came to the Hoffman Process, Sadie felt broken. She'd experienced the life-changing near death of her four-year-old son and her resuscitation of him by doing CPR. As she tells us, her son survived, but the experience shattered her sense of self as a mother. In one pivotal moment during the Process while deep in her expressive work, Sadie experienced the profound realization that no matter how angry, uncontrolled, and messy she got, the Light remained. Regardless of how upset and disappointed she was with herself, she knew she was worthy of love and knew she remained connected to the Light. Sadie connects her realizations about the nature of suffering with her early days of training to be a nurse practitioner. Then, she hoped to avoid feeling others' suffering. Now, through the transformation she's experienced, she opens to the suffering in our world as a conscious decision. As a Hoffman Process teacher, Sadie guides her students with the same vulnerability and love she so clearly embodies in this conversation. We hope this heartfelt conversation with Sadie and Drew opens you to a more conscious relationship with what lies on the other side of suffering. More about Sadie Hannah: Sadie Hannah holds a Masters in Science from the University of California, San Francisco. After a 20-year history in Western medicine, she is committed to helping clients move beyond their most fundamental challenges (learned behavior). Sadie is a member of the teaching faculty at the Hoffman Institute and medical staff at Stanford Children's Hospital. She works with groups and individuals to bring about transformational change on a personal and organizational level. As mentioned in this episode: Stanford Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Costa Rica • Monkeys of Costa Rica Hoffman Institute teacher training

Today, we change things up a bit. While we usually focus on the full Hoffman Process, today's episode illuminates our 2-day Hoffman Essentials program. Join Drew and Jessie, Tiffany, Katy, and Marta, for this in-depth reflection on their journey through the Hoffman Essentials program. They each have a moving story that brought them to the Essentials program and each came for different reasons. What you will hear from them is how this powerful virtual work brings profound gifts of healing we hadn't yet heard articulated in such beautiful ways. In the early days of the Pandemic, Hoffman faculty and staff got to work creating. We were clear that the work of transformation afforded by the Process must continue even as the world was shutting down. But, after over 5o years of the Process being done in person, could elements of the Process and the promise of transformation they hold, work in a virtual setting? Could people, strangers in real life, come together and, after two days, realize how much they have in common and lean on the essentials of the Hoffman Process and their commonality for personal inner growth? As you'll hear Drew say, the answer is a resounding, YES! Our guests speak to many of these. They mention the Quadrinity and how to access each of the four parts. They share how they've transformed conditioned ways of reacting and thinking. Self-compassion is a key piece to this weekend of learning and growing. Some speak of the healing they found in the specific places in their home where they did the course, or outside during the Self-forgiveness guided exercise they were given. You can hear self-kindness and self-acceptance in their stories. There is a clear sense of love for where they are in their healing journey and their lives. The Hoffman Essentials program Hoffman Essentials is a live, virtual 2-day Hoffman Essentials program where Hoffman teachers guide students through experiential activities, individual assignments, and engaging discussions to bring more understanding, love, and aliveness to your life. The experiences and learning from this program are designed to provide useful tools and practices you can carry with you for a lifetime. As Marta shares, the Essentials program is a "great way to ask for help." With a consistent 5-6 month waiting list to attend the week-long Process in the US, our Hoffman Essentials program supports those who cannot or don't want to wait to begin the work of change. We are grateful to our guests for sharing their stories of transformation through this program. Discover more about the 2-day Hoffman Essentials virtual program. Meet our guests: Jessie Wei Dr. Jessie Wei is a mother to two amazing sons. She's also an integrative and functional medicine doctor and a former OB/GYN who had the great privilege and honor of taking care of thousands of women over seventeen years. Jessie is the author of two books about returning to wholeness and true love. Tiffany Komasara Rev. Tiffany Komasara, J.D., M. Div. is a non-profit professional with over 25 years of experience leading, advising, and working for religious and social service groups, schools, and arts organizations. Tiffany currently serves as pastor of Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Grandview Heights, Ohio. There, she regularly uses mindfulness practices, self-awareness, and cognitive therapies in her ministry. Katy Grainger Katy is a mother of two adult daughters and is married to her high school sweetheart. She lives in Hawaii. Five years ago, Katy lost both her lower legs and seven fingertips to septic shock. Katy now shares her story to spread sepsis awareness. Marta Campanella Marta Campanella, whose friends describe her as sunshine, is a mom to her 10-year-old son. She loves her job selling Real Estate in Naples, FL; her other passion is teaching and practicing yoga. Marta is always up for adventure and travel, and if she can bring her sweet dog Harold along, it’s a bonus.

Stella Horgan, beloved UK Hoffman Process teacher and so much more, shares with us this wide-arching, panoramic view of her singular life. Stella calls upon us to heal and find our full glorious potential as human beings, reminding us we are valid and that we are in the driver's seat of our lives. Content warning: This episode contains explicit material and may not be suitable for all listeners. Stella takes us across time, lands, cultures, and the many lives she has lived all in this one lifetime. She begins in South Africa, her beloved homeland in the painful years of apartheid and the way those years shaped her. Stella travels to Australia and shares with us a bit about her ten years living there. While there, Stella found the Hoffman Process. She came to the Process in the early '00s with a desire to heal. Stella shares with us the powerful, transformational apex of her Process when she experienced knowing she is loved and valid exactly as she is. She left the Process knowing she wanted to become a Hoffman teacher, which she did there in Australia, beginning her journey to be a part of the healing of this world. We then journey with Stella back to her beloved South Africa and the majestic white lions, women's healing and empowerment, and permaculture education. Since becoming a teacher, Stella has taught the Process in Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US. Stella shares stories about the era of apartheid in South Africa and how it affected her and her future life trajectory. She has dedicated her life, personally and professionally, to healing trauma and shame. You will be deeply moved by Stella's stories and words of hard-won wisdom about the inherent worth and validity of every human being. More about Stella Horgan: Stella Horgan is an artist, Director of South African impact NPO Zingela Ulwazi Trust (ZUT), a Senior Supervising Facilitator of the Hoffman Process (UK), a board member of the Australian wildlife advocacy group For the Love of Wildlife, and a coach, facilitator of groups, and workshops. She lives between the UK and South Africa. In 2022, Stella and the ZUT team created the first Centre for Women’s Independence in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, South Africa, offering learning experiences to rural women in Food Security (permaculture/regenerative practice), Livelihood Security (small enterprise development), Personal Security (self-defense skills to respond to and prevent harassment and assault), all woven through with Stress Reduction techniques. They formed a thrilling partnership in 2022 with American Zach Bush and his Farmer’s Footprint addressing food security, nutritional diversity, and regenerative practice, through permaculture and planting a food and medicine forest of 2000 trees in a denuded local village. Stella has worked with dozens of Civil Society organizations in urban and rural contexts addressing environmental and human rights issues. She is fuelled by her love of nature and guided and enriched by her work with the Hoffman Process. Her main mission is to find ways to rebalance human life with nature to create regenerative, happy ways of living where all may thrive. Enjoy Stella Horgan’s artwork here. Discover more about Stella and Zingela Ulwazi Trust (ZUT). Follow Stella on Instagram and Facebook. As mentioned in this episode: Stella has taught the Hoffman Process in Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US. (Pictured is a US Hoffman teaching team with (bottom row, L-R) Lecia Arye, Stella, Amy Thompson, Aerin Lim, Searl Vetter, and Drew Horning (top). Johannesburg, South Africa Apartheid Apartheid, the History White Supremacy Christian Nationalism Bright Blue "Weeping" Original Music Video "It wasn't roaring, it was weeping." Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa The Anti-Apartheid Movement in the 1990s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) The Soul's Code, by James Hillman Thembisa, South Africa

David Fishof is an American music producer, sports agent, and the founder and CEO of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Listen in as David weaves his stories, shares his big heart, and guides us through his Hoffman Process transformation. In 1999, David came to the Process to understand why he couldn't "keep his marriage." He was successful in his career and knew, in his heart, that he was a good guy. His parents had been married for 50 years and yet, he'd been unable to save his marriage. David wanted answers and he was willing to do whatever it took to find those answers. Between the time he turned in his pre-work and arrived for his Process, David's father passed away. Upon Raz Ingrasci's urging (David's Process teacher), David decided not to postpone his Process knowing that it would be a potent time to do the deep work he was ready for. David had a wonderful relationship with his father. Even so, he was able to come up with a large number of traits that he'd adopted from his dad. Transforming these helped guide him closer to the answers he was seeking. Eventually, David came to see and know more clearly the passionate man he has always been. By healing the pain of his past, the confusion that had clouded his true passions cleared. He stepped into work that fed his passion and started the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. And, he deepened his faith, discovering he could weave his Quadrinity Check into his daily prayers. A fabulous storyteller, boy does David have stories to tell about the world of Rock and Roll, the power of the element of surprise, and so much more. Please enjoy this conversation steeped in the power of storytelling and vibrant vulnerability. Discover more about David Fishof: David Fishof is an American music producer, sports agent, and the founder and CEO of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Born and raised in New York City, David began his career representing acts in the Catskill Mountains. He became a sports agent, representing Phil Simms, Lou Piniella, Randy Myers, among others. While he was working as a sports agent, David began to also produce live rock and roll tours working with Ringo Starr, The Monkees, Roger Daltrey, and many other popular acts. David has been recognized as a creative and innovative force in the entertainment industry with a career spanning over four decades. David's Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp allows everyday people to play alongside world-renowned rock stars. His camp reflects David's deep passion and appreciation for the transformative power of music in people's lives, both personally and professionally. Rock Camp: The Movie, illustrates David's impact on the world of rock music. David has written three books, Putting It on The Line, a book about his experiences in the world of sports and entertainment, Rock Your Business: What You and Your Company Can Learn From The Business of Rock and Roll, and Rock Camp: An Oral History: 25 Years of the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Learn more about David and Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Read more about David here and here. You can learn more about Comedy Fantasy Camp on Instagram. As mentioned in this episode: Rock and Roll Tours: Happy Together, Dirty Dancing, The Monkees - '86, and Ringo's All-Star Band Comedy Fantasy Camp with Jay Leno, Adam Carolla Practical joke (on YouTube) played on David Fishof by the All-Starr Band. Rockers and actors mentioned: Ringo Starr (All-Starr Band) (Yellow Submarine) Joe Walsh (the Eagles) Bruce Springsteen Mickey Dolenz Nils Lofgren (E Street Band) Clarence Clemons, aka The Big Man "Levon" Helm (the Band) Jim Keltner John Denver Billy Preston Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) Paul McCartney (Something) The Living Years: Listen to The Living Years Mike and the Mechanics Paul Carrack, lead singer Bournemouth, England Abbey Road Doug Blush, Director Rock Camp: The Movie Amidha - Jewish daily prayer

Dorothy Holden, beloved Hoffman teacher and coach, did the Hoffman Process in 2004 and became a teacher in 2007. In this conversation with Drew, Dorothy shares her journey from the reactive patterns she learned as a child to the wisdom she's developed over the years of serving others and teaching the Process. Growing up, Dorothy was the 3rd of 5 kids and the only girl. Her home life was stable. At the same time, there were no rules to speak of, which could be both fun and very chaotic. At a very early age, Dorothy developed a pattern of self-responsibility and learned to take care of herself. And, through this, she developed a sense of rigidity and judgment. As a deep core reactive pattern, this has both helped her and hindered her in her life. After doing the deep healing work of the Process, Dorothy's main takeaway was she fell in love with herself, without reservation. Dorothy speaks of what she's learned from teaching over 100 Processes. She helps her students release fear and anxiety-based resistance to go deeper into their Process so they can drop into their essential nature during this transformative week. Dorothy shares about how to continue practices consciously so that life doesn't get in the way. Finally, she speaks to the power of somatic knowing as an embodied sense. This knowing can guide our lives, as is often explained through the core Hoffman tool, Be-Do-Have. More about Dorothy Holden: Dorothy Holden is a Registered Clinical Counselor with a therapy practice that specializes in helping people navigate transitions and find meaning in their lives. She strives to support each person on their unique journey toward self-awareness and personal fulfillment. Dorothy has an MS in Counseling Psychology (University of Calgary), a B-Ed (Dalhousie University), and a BA in Psychology (McGill University). She lives in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Dorothy has supported hundreds of Olympic and national athletes in Canada with personal development and career planning. She also volunteers as a counselor and support group facilitator for an integrative cancer care agency. In Dorothy's own words: I love teaching the Hoffman Process and other Hoffman programs. The Hoffman vision is creating world peace, one person at a time.” I live in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia with my husband, who is a retired lawyer and a Hoffman graduate. We have 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren. Our daughter’s family lives near us, so I get lots of opportunities to chase those rascals around. Our son has just moved his family to Switzerland, and so we are learning how to stay connected while living on different continents. I am an active hiker, swimmer, reader, and traveler, and still have a small private practice as a therapist. My passion is supporting people in navigating the transitions in their lives…including health, relationship, and career issues. As mentioned in this episode: White Sulphur Springs: For over two decades, the Hoffman Process was held in St. Helena at White Sulphur Springs. The retreat site burned in the Glass fire of 2020. The Hoffman Process retreat site was relocated to our current home in Petaluma, CA. Read a love letter from White Sulphur Springs written in the early days of the pandemic. Calgary, Alberta, Canada • University of Calgary Right Livelihood: "According to the Buddha’s teachings, Right Livelihood is a way to earn a living that doesn’t harm others or oneself. In defining Right Livelihood, the Buddha named five types of businesses that lay people should not engage in." Read more Shifting perspective Canadian Olympic and national athletes. The San Juan Islands Hoffman terminology mentioned in this episode: Hoffman Tools and Practices: Vicious Cycle Left Road: Part of the Left Road/Right Road perspective Presence Vulnerability Authenticity Reactivity Self-love Transference Be-Do-Have Patterns and the Negative Love Syndrome:

This is a remarkable conversation with Blake Mycoskie, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author. Blake graduated from the Hoffman Process in 2017. Before his Process, Blake had been a hard-driving athlete and a highly successful entrepreneur. He came to the Process because life had suddenly become more complex for him. He felt 'untethered' on the heels of a lot of recent life changes. Often old patterns make it hard to move with the change that comes, even when we've chosen those changes. Blake felt a lot of resistance at the beginning of his Process. He knew that he had achieved great success in the world and believed that his patterns had helped him get there. However, through the Process, with the guidance of his teacher, Blake eventually came to see that his patterns were keeping him from living a truly authentic life guided by his Spiritual Self. Since graduating, Blake has sent many friends to the Process, as well as hundreds of people he didn't know personally but supported financially to attend. As you'll discover, Blake vulnerably shares the truth of what he is experiencing in his life right now. He tells us that the Process was his jumping off place into spiritual work. After he graduated, he began to do many retreats and became active in the world of plant medicine. As you'll hear, Blake is in the immediate experience of a deeper call to go within. He refers to this moment in his life as a dark night of the soul. Blake knows something is here for him and he's determined to live following his Spiritual Self no matter where it takes him, despite how uncomfortable this is. We hope you enjoy this profound conversation with Blake and Sharon. Discover more about Blake Mycoskie: Blake Mycoskie is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author most known for founding TOMS Shoes and is the person behind the idea of One for One®, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased. A simple idea grew into a global movement: While traveling in Argentina in 2006, Blake witnessed the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple, yet revolutionary: to create a for-profit business that was sustainable and not reliant on donations. Blake’s vision soon turned into the simple business idea that provided the powerful foundation for TOMS. Since its inception, TOMS Shoes has provided almost 96 million pairs of shoes to children around the globe. Blake’s latest philanthropy passion has taken him into the world of psychedelics. He’s giving about 25% of his net worth to support research into the medical and mental health potential of psychedelic drugs. Born and raised in Texas, Blake currently resides in Marin County with his wife, kids, dog, and cat. In his free time, you can find him outside enjoying nature. Discover more about Blake here. As mentioned in this episode: Blake's adopted son, Wubetu Blake mentions his adopted son Wubetu and an article. Read the story of how Blake and Wubetu met and the amazing journey Wubetu took to reconnect with Blake and open his life to something new. Venture Capital Psychedelic medicine • Psychedelic vs. Plant medicine Dark night of the soul Hoffman terminology mentioned in this episode: The Negative Love Syndrome: • To find out more about the Negative Love Syndrome, download A Path to Personal Freedom and Love. Hoffman Tools: • Vicious Cycle • Right Road Self-compassion: Based on work from Dr. Kristin Neff and Chris Germer, PhD, there are two types of self-compassion. Listen to Kristin Neff on the Hoffman Podcast. Listen to Chris Germer on the Hoffman Podcast.

Jen Davis, beloved Hoffman Process teacher and coach, sits down with Drew to share her journey from a heartbreaking loss to celebrating a whole new life and a brand new love. Jen did the Process in 2016 at White Sulphur Springs. What brought her to the Process was the shocking divorce she was going through due to her soon-to-be-ex husband's heartbreaking infidelity. Jen was in great pain. She shares that her life at that time felt like a Lifetime movie, but the pain she was feeling was very real. The Process helped Jen turn away from the details of the situation she found herself in and turn toward herself for healing. As she says, it would have been much easier to continue to blame her ex for cheating and getting someone else pregnant. But in her week at the Process, Jen was able to see her part in what had happened and then take responsibility for her own life. Through her deep and dedicated work during the Process, Jen was able to find compassion and forgiveness for both herself and her ex. By the end of the week, she had found her way back to herself and was ready to move on with her life. After leaving the Process, Jen divorced, moved into a new home, and began to live a new life. She decided to start dating again, but this time from an empowered place of joy and self-love. Eventually, she found love, She married her new love, Mitchell, just this past summer. Toward the end of this rich conversation, Jen shares her journey to becoming a Hoffman teacher. Her certification came at a deeply painful time when her father was dying. She was able to share with him that she was a newly certified teacher and share with him the joy she felt in her new life. We hope you enjoy this beautiful conversation with Jen and Drew. Discover more about Jen Davis: Jen lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband (and Hoffman grad), Mitchell, and her dog, Allie. She cultivates joy through hiking, baking, live music, and a regular gratitude and compassion practice. Jen is a Midwesterner at heart, loving anything with cheese and summers on the lake. She has a passion for spiritual and personal growth, animal-assisted therapies, and women's empowerment. Jen received her Master's of Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas specializing in youth and families. She worked for five years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Madison Metropolitan School District providing mental health crisis stabilization for youth and families. Jen hopes to continue building her private practice as a Child and Adolescent Therapist. Currently, Jen works as a Hoffman Teacher and Coach, as well as a coordinator of the Hoffman Graduate Group Programs. Jen first attended The Process in 2016 at White Sulphur Springs. As mentioned in this episode: White Sulphur Springs: For over two decades, the Hoffman Process was held in St. Helena at White Sulphur Springs. The retreat site burned in the Glass fire of 2020. The Hoffman Process retreat site was relocated to our current home in Petaluma, CA. Read a love letter from White Sulphur Springs written in the early days of the pandemic. The Peace Garden (forgiveness garden) at White Sulphur Springs Hoffman Faculty: • Jo Mattoon, Listen to Jo on the Hoffman Podcast • Crystal Jenkins Hoffman Process Teacher Training Awareness Hell: In awareness hell, we know we are aware of our patterns and the things we do we wish we didn’t do, but we are still unable to change. We understand but feel stuck in this place of hell even though our awareness keeps expanding. To get out of awareness hell, our work to grow and transform must include three additional steps for change to take place. These three steps are Expression, Compassion, and New Ways of Being. All four make up the Cycle of Transformation. Learn more about Hoffman tools. Attachment Styles and Theory The Golden Gate Bridge